Convince me to buy a New 4Runner

[Desmoface]

I'm not alone, LOL. I liked the Tundra, but in my research, I learned that in their infinite wisdom, Toyota removed the Tranny Cooler from the Tundra and their are reports of the tranny's running hot. I didn't mention Ram as they are reportedly a nightmare as far as reliability goes - which is the same reason I didn't consider a Jeep.

Ironically, there was a class action law-suit for the doors latches freezing on my old '15 F-150. When I first took it in, they said, "you're the only that has reported the issue," LOL. I guess they don't know about the internet, LOL. I read that there is also one in the works for the oil consumption issue.

Oh well, live and learn.

Funny I basically did the same thing. 2018 f150 with 3.5 ecoboost, had the dash warp replaced, shocks went out around 38k, dual panel sunroof would randomly rattle and randomly not open. Had the cam phaser start up rattle repaired and then while it was in the shop had the transmission fluid changed. Once I got it back it never seemed right and then I closed the sunroof and one side of it dropped down and one side stayed up. Smacked it a bunch of times and it finally fully closed. Got rid of it right before the powertrain warranty was up.

I couldn't find a pick up I had any faith in besides a tundra and just didn't want the poor fuel economy nor did I like the interior. Got the 4runner because my 2005 was pretty reliable, only had to get the rear axle seal fixed in the 120k miles I owned it. I can't say the 4runner is remotely close to being as nice in general as the f150 was but I trust it much more and am not sitting waiting to see what breaks next. Things that stand out as far as down grades between the two vehicles is of course power, room, auto on head lights, gas mileage, and the stereo is horrible in the 4runner. The head unit probable the worst thing in the 4runner. That said it drives very smoothly, and 5-10 years from now it will hopefully still be trouble free and worth a good amount of money.

 

[Pedro367]

Ironically, there was a class action law-suit for the doors latches freezing on my old '15 F-150. When I first took it in, they said, "you're the only that has reported the issue," LOL. I guess they don't know about the internet, LOL. I read that there is also one in the works for the oil consumption issue.

Sounds like every service manager ever LOL

 

[llDemonll]

As I understand it, "the manual stick is a direct connection to the transfer case, but the action locking the front axle into 4wd is still electronically actuated" (quoted from elsewhere). Is this what you mean?

correct

 

[DougR]

A better time to buy was 2019. I just priced the same model I bought in 2019 and it appears to be @ $3000 more, apparently thanks to all that safety junk, pushbutton start, etc etc.

I think the price increased $3000 largely because the US Dollar has fallen 7.02% relative to the Japanese Yen since mid-2019.

A 2021 Limited MSRP is about 45,000. Let’s assume Toyota receives $40,000 when they sell that model to a US dealer … 7.02% of $40K is $2808, which is very close to the $3000 price increase you noted. Therefore, the 2021 price increase is not necessarily due to “safety junk”. The US dollar is worth 7% less relative to its value 2019.

The US Dollar is falling and will continue to fall thanks to Fed fiscal policy, so expect the price of Toyota vehicles and parts to increase.

Note, this calculation depends on my assumption that $40,000 is the net value Toyota receives for every 2021 Limited sold in the US. If my estimate is off, give me the correct figure and I'll update the numbers.

 

[Tuco S.]

I think the price increased $3000 largely because the US Dollar has fallen 7.02% relative to the Japanese Yen since mid-2019.

A 2021 Limited MSRP is about 45,000. Let’s assume Toyota receives $40,000 when they sell that model to a US dealer … 7.02% of $40K is $2808, which is very close to the $3000 price increase you noted. Therefore, the 2021 price increase is not necessarily due to “safety junk”. The US dollar is worth 7% less relative to its value 2019.

The US Dollar is falling and will continue to fall thanks to Fed fiscal policy, so expect the price of Toyota vehicles and parts to increase.

Note, this calculation depends on my assumption that $40,000 is the net value Toyota receives for every 2021 Limited sold in the US. If my estimate is off, give me the correct figure and I'll update the numbers.

I seem to recall the price bump started with the 2020 model year. That's when they added Safety Sense and those other features I mentioned. Did all Toyota models and other Japanese imports increase proportionally during that time frame? I wouldn't know, just asking.

 

[DougR]

I seem to recall the price bump started with the 2020 model year. That's when they added Safety Sense and those other features I mentioned. Did all Toyota models and other Japanese imports increase proportionally during that time frame? I wouldn't know, just asking.

Let’s assume a very simple model for setting price … on June 1st, Toyota management looks at the USD/JPY exchange rate as one factor for setting the price of new 4Runners to be released to the US market in the fall. Between June-1-2018 and June-1-2019, the value of a US dollar fell 2.48% … if their cost to build the vehicle did not increase between the 2019 and 2020 models, then they would add about $920 to cover the loss in value of the US dollar.

Perhaps the decision on when to add a safety improvement probably depends on (1) marketing pressures and (2) if cost to manufacture the many parts that do not change year-to-year decreases. There may be a cost benefit for keeping many parts of the vehicle the same for 10 years and perhaps realize a small but steady decline in the cost of manufacturing those parts. Initial design and development costs are high, however the cost of year-to-year cosmetic changes is very low in comparison. The cost benefit models for product changes are not simple. Furthermore, we haven't talked about increasing market share, which adds to Toyota's bottom line ... making it easier to control rising costs.

 

[RusPro17]

I seem to recall the price bump started with the 2020 model year. That's when they added Safety Sense and those other features I mentioned. Did all Toyota models and other Japanese imports increase proportionally during that time frame? I wouldn't know, just asking.

Just my opinion but the difference in my 17 Pro and 20 Pro the price jumped up because of the extras which is why I traded my 17 in.
I now have the 8 inch Apple car play screen which I love better than the entune unit.
Sunroof
The fox suspension which I think is better than the bilsteins that were on my 17 Pro.
No big deal for the safety sense. I wanted the AG but now Toyota brought it out in another 4runner it maybe time to sell. Since the color is not a big deal anymore. Also the value factor which you cannot beat. But I will keep tossing it around weather to keep it or not.

 

[LandCruiser]

I just bought my kid a 2020 base model SR5 4x4 and told her it’s the last car I’m buying for her with my money, so she better make it last.

If she’s careful, I’m sure she will still be driving it in 10 years.

 

[Snowtrooper]

I just bought my kid a 2020 base model SR5 4x4 and told her it’s the last car I’m buying for her with my money, so she better make it last.

If she’s careful, I’m sure she will still be driving it in 10 years.

As I was doing the initial test drive, we encountered a 3rd gen 4runner on the freeway. It dawned on us that our future kids may inherit the 2018 one day so I better make a mental note to document this lol. Thanks.

 

[BlakeA]

As I was doing the initial test drive, we encountered a 3rd gen 4runner on the freeway. It dawned on us that our future kids may inherit the 2018 one day so I better make a mental note to document this lol. Thanks.

My handed my daughter my 1997 4Runner in 2014. Told her she would be buying her next car on her own. I have helped her out with some of the maintenance/repairs, but it’s still going strong with about 210K miles now.

 

[Nobody Special]

I did the exact same thing in '02... drove that 4Runner for 14 years... never a problem.

Quitter? DROVE = past tense!
I love the 3rd gen and till have mine.

I supercharged it and some more power mods.
The only thing to watch for is the "Strawberry milkshake" and bushings and such.

 

[ziv2liv]

Ok, so I am in the market for a new vehicle. Currently still driving my 4th Gen that I bought new in 2005. I for some reason remain hesitant to buy a new 4Runner. I think its partially the current styling that has remained since around 2010 but I can get over that. Moreso its the ancient Trans and Engine plus the fact that apparently they have added 500-600lbs to these things since I bought mine and based on numerous posts they are now extremely sluggish. I am also considering a Jeep JLU.

Im not really worried as much about gas mileage or roll over risk. I just want a vehicle that's not going to break down and require a ton of maintenance. Also, im concerned that im going to buy this one and in a year or so they are going to actually release the redesign. I don't have to have the "latest and greatest" but I also don't want my vehicle to look dated within a year of buying it like so many folks deal with when they buy a GM Chrysler or Ford product. I should also state that I like to keep my cars for 10 years because I like only 1 car payment so every 5 years my wife and I switch who gets a new one. This time its my turn.

So I guess what im saying is, convince me to buy a New 4Runner......

I've been driving the 5th gen for five years and recently upgraded to 2020 TRD Pro. Sure reliability is number one but resale is close second. 4Runner is one of the best resell value retainer of them all. The drawback of course is aged technology, lackluster performance and fuel economy but if fuel economy is not your concern, you can use one of those remapping devices that are on the market. I fixed it on mine with a $289 Sprint booster.

 

[ycvgk4]

Payments, you need payments lol

 

[054Runner1]

Well I am in negotiations for a 2021 Limited 4x4. Got a couple dealers warring with each other

 

[Chrisb009]

Seriously...you’re looking at a fca and trying to compare longevity? IMO (I restore CJ’s and a whole lot more automotive wise) fca’s quality is terrible when compared to Toyota. That’s why I skipped the big three (to include fca) and went with two DD’s Toyota’s.

 

[Chancy454]

Do you really need convincing

 

[Chancy454]

Oh and if ur like me, getting it now is not a bad thing before they throw in all the newest gadgets as basics
When I bought my 2019 Runner was so glad it did not have all the lane change dudads and crap. Just pure driving the old fashion way

 

[AgentKooper]

I’m picking up my 2021 TRDP this weekend. I too waffled at first about buying something that hasn’t been updated much in over a decade, when a redesign is not far off. But I need a car now, not in two years. And redesigns can cut both ways. For all we know, the 6th gen will have a smaller engine and look like a big Rav-4. I love the way the current design looks and will happily put 200,000 miles on it.


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[Nobody Special]

I’m picking up my 2021 TRDP this weekend. I too waffled at first about buying something that hasn’t been updated much in over a decade, when a redesign is not far off. But I need a car now, not in two years. And redesigns can cut both ways. For all we know, the 6th gen will have a smaller engine and look like a big Rav-4. I love the way the current design looks and will happily put 200,000 miles on it.


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I picked mine up BECAUSE of the redesign.
No telling what they will do, and these are pretty much battle-tested whereas the new will have its bugs.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

250K miles on our 2014 SR5 with only routine maintenance, no major repairs. These vehicles totally suck.